Why is baking soda recommended for handling lead-acid battery spills?

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is recommended for handling lead-acid battery spills primarily because it neutralizes acid. Lead-acid batteries contain sulfuric acid, which is highly corrosive and can be hazardous if spilled. When baking soda is applied to the acid, it reacts in a neutralization process, which reduces the acidity of the spill and helps to mitigate the dangers associated with sulfuric acid exposure.

This neutralization process is crucial, as it makes the environment safer by reducing the risk of chemical burns or inhalation of harmful fumes. The resultant solution from this reaction is significantly less aggressive than sulfuric acid, allowing for safer cleanup and disposal of the spill.

Understanding the chemical properties of baking soda and its ability to neutralize acids emphasizes its practicality in handling battery spills, making it an essential tool in both safety protocols and emergency response for lead-acid battery incidents.